Just let me say right here and now: we have THE BEST listeners in the world (and all around it as well)! Period. And this may well be the BEST EPISODE of this show we've ever posted... in spite of (or perhaps as a result of?) the near total absence of we hosts.

As promised in EP43; the first show of 2015 features none other than YOU, our beloved listeners (or at least a fair number of you). And what an episode it turned out to be! It is also our most INTERNATIONAL show ever, with guests contributing from such far-off lands as AUSTRALIA, ENGLAND, CANADA and even RHODE ISLAND!

So kick back and listen as:

BRENDAN SMOOTHER discusses the work of Aussie legend JOHN WILLIAMSON in A VIEW FROM DOWNUNDER

JACOB HALLER goes UNDER THE MICROSCOPE and shares his song, "BLUE YODEL (T FOR T-REX)"

DAN SULLIVAN shares a fascinating story about MARTY STUART and BOB DYLAN in YOU THINK YOU KNOW as well as letting us hear his own song, "LOVE MADE ME BELIEVE"

STUART RAMSDEN gives us an all-new segment, TUBEWAY HARMONY featuring his own songwriting story; followed by one of his original songs, "CRAZY IN LOVE"

Original CSSP "Superfan" JIMMY ANDERSON visits the OLD BARN while reviving the A SONG IS BORN segment

STEVE AND RANDY will make their ONLY contribution to the show with a message recorded LIVE ON LOCATION from their tropical hiding spot

WALTER SCATTOLON stops by to share the contents of THE MAILBAG in his own unique style

PAULIE COCONUTS (aka PAUL MORGAN) makes his segment (but not musical) debut on the show with a second YOU THINK YOU

KNOW spot featuring a SEMISONIC hit with DUAL MEANINGS

And at long last, BRENDAN SMOOTHER shares the premiere of his ode to first-call responders in crisis, "PARAMEDIC SUICIDE"

It's more great entertainment than you can shake a stick at (and shame on you for shaking sticks at intangibles)!

To close 2014, Randy and Marie coordinated a full-on ATTACK OF THE CO-HOSTS (past and present); "turning the tables" on Steve and interviewing HIM for a change. Hopefully this won't be too much of a disappointment to those of you who have been patiently (and no-so-patiently) waiting for EP 43...

We also announce our plans for the first show of 2015, featuring none other than... YOU! That's right, folks; a show entirely made up of listener- supplied segments. So if you've ever had dreams of broadcast (ok, narrowcast) greatness; now is your time to SHINE!

Record your favorite segment and send it in to
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or send us a link to where we can download the soundfile. Record your file on your smartphone, dictaphone, Abbey Road Studios... anywhere and any way you can. Don't sweat the audio quality (clearly we don't), just SEND THEM IN!!!

Here's a special treat for all our faithful listeners: A success story from an aspiring songwriter that I believe we can all relate to... and such a familiar voice!

Angie Perrault is a Nashville transplant from the "Great White North" (aka Minnesota) who relocated to pursue a degree and career in the music business, and wound up a songwriter along the way. We'll let you hear several selections from her catalog in this episode. You're welcome!

Ever wondered what became of original CSSP co-host MARIE PERRY??? You'll find out all the "inside dirt" in this episode as well! (Hint: She's been BUSY!!!)

So we're back with what's really just EPISODE 40 PART TWO (but just pretend it's a whole new episode). We're sure you noticed that it took slightly longer than two weeks to get this episode posted, but we've both been UBER-BUSY. Sorry about that.

Before we give you the skinny on the segments for this go-'round, let us first give you a bit of a "heads-up" about an upcoming MAJOR development...

We've often made a point of mentioning that this show is all about YOU; our beloved listeners, and it's true. And very soon you're going to be called upon to show your support for this show in a very real, meaningful and tangible way. In the next few weeks, expect to see a short "BONUS" episode listed in our feed with details about our BIG NEWS and to learn what you can do to help make it a reality. There will even be a VIDEO featuring "Nashville" Steve Rempis and Randy Finchum in LIVING COLOR!!! Be looking for all this in the next 30 days or so.

You won't have to wait another minute to enjoy all the GOOEY GOODNESS that is EP 41 though. Listen in as:

We delve further into the business of MUSIC PUBLISHING, specifically talking about what we all REALLY want to know; namely, HOW DO WE GET PAID FOR OUR SONGS???

Randy tells you where to write in Nashville "after hours" (hint: it's WRITE OFF THE ROW) as well as a "teaser" about the OFF THE HOOK COMEDY SONGWRITING CONTEST/SHOW

Steve goes UNDER THE MICROSCOPE to talk about the amazing classic that is THE OFFICIAL HISTORIAN ON SHIRLEY JEAN BURRELL by THE STATLER BROTHERS and then (in true "Nashville" Steve fashion) manages to totally mangle the LEGENDARY SONGWRITER SALUTE to DON REID of STATLER BROTHERS fame by losing his notes and naming EVERY Statler Brothers hit that Don Reid DIDN'T write, while simultaneously forgetting almost every one that he DID write

Randy soldiers on with the WHAT THE !@#$%? segment featuring SOULJA BOY and earns himself a new theme song in the process

Steve explains why NOTHING COMPARES TO PRINCE in the YOU THINK YOU KNOW segment

Randy gets a spontaneous new segment to go along with his new theme song: RANDY'S THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

We feature a song by Nashville veteran songster LARRY M "THE OLD CHIEF" CLARK in the LISTENER SUBMISSION segment

Randy interviews JIM AYCOCK and discusses a seriously cool activity/ event that Nashville locals and visitors can participate in: THE OFF THE HOOK COMEDY SONGWRITING CONTEST/SHOW

Got a comment, suggestion or want to be a SPONSORED GUEST of the show? CSSP EMAIL :
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CSSP "Snailmail" address: 564 CALLIE CT. GALLATIN, TN 37066

Nothing from nothing, but if we'd known this was going to wind up being our HALLOWEEN episode, we would've made it more scary (we'd hoped to have another episode ready for Oct 31). Instead, here are some SCARY vintage shots of Steve & Randy...

So yeah; it's been awhile. Sorry about that. We've been BUSY, BUSY, BUSY!!!

Since so many of you faithful listeners have been requesting MORE episodes (and getting fewer), we decided to record 2 whole shows worth of material in one go. The first half will comprise this episode and the second will be released in two weeks as EP 41. Fair enough?

We have a bunch of cool news and announcements to share as well as lots of of hints and innuendo. Randy finally makes his bid for the "big leagues" with a Sammy Kershaw cut, Steve MAYBE has a TV appearance in the works (non-music related... except perhaps for the theme song)... and OTHER STUFF!

Grab your cold beverage of choice and pull up a comfy chair (NO! Not the COMFY CHAIR!!!) and listen in as:

Steve talks a bit about MUSIC PUBLISHING; an extremely important and yet very misunderstood parts of a songwriting career in NOTES AND BOLTS

Randy's UNDER THE MICROSCOPE segment teaches us a valuable life lesson... DON'T BLINK!

We celebrate ALLEE WILLIS DAY in the LEGENDARY SONGWRITER SALUTE. Allee is one of Steve's favorite songwriters, responsible for millions of units sold and probably best known for her EARTH WIND & FIRE smash SEPTEMBER ("Do you remember the twenty-first night of September..."); as well as BOOGIE WONDERLAND (also EWF), NEUTRON DANCE (Pointer Sisters), WHAT HAVE I DONE TO DESERVE THIS (Pet Shop Boys) and I'LL BE THERE FOR YOU (The Rembrandts and the theme from FRIENDS) among others. Be looking for a future episode devoted to Allee soon...

Randy discusses what must be a truly amazing woman; one who inspired at least two all-time classic rock songs in YOU THINK YOU KNOW

We make a pitch for the TENNESSEE SONGWRITERS ASSOCIATION INTERNATIONAL (TENNESSEE SONGWRITERS ASSOCIATION); an organization that any songwriter would benefit from membership in. There's no better way to have direct access to Nashville publishers and producers who want to hear YOUR demos. The yearly dues are cheap too!!!

We play not one, but TWO LISTENER SUBMISSION songs: PARADISE MOTEL by JAMESTOFFEE CONRAD and BOTTLE OF SUNSHINE by THE WINDOWPANES featuring Superfan PAULIE COCONUTS!!!

Then stay tuned as do answer a pile of emails, give a load of "shout outs" and close the show with the song that started it all: "40" by none other than "Nashville" Steve Rempis

Recurring Segments

Notes and BoltsA "How-To" segment with tips and "rules" for song construction; things to do and to avoid.

Legendary Songwriter SaluteA mini-biography of a great songwriter, either well-known or less so; including a list of their best-known works.

Under the MicroscopeLooking at and dissecting hit songs to see what made them "tick".

What the @#%$&!? We'll discuss a song that was an inexplicable hit; despite being so embarrassingly bad that few admit to ever liking or owning it. I'm expecting this to become one of our most popular segments, and lots of laughs!

Steve's PhoneSteve will choose a recording from his collection of cell phones (and primary songwriting notepads) to discuss and expand on. You the listeners can help determine which ideas Steve should work on and which he should forget!

Local Scene ReportThis will be where The COMMERCIAL SUICIDE SONGWRITING PODCAST will to do our part to help out in the Nashville Songwriter scene. We'll include upcoming events and where to find local open-mic and songwriter nights and rounds.

Marie's Academic MomentMarie shares a piece of wisdom gained from her recent attendance at a HIT SONGWRITING course.

The CSSP MailbagWe'll review all the emailed suggestions, criticisms, comments etc. received since the last episode.